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A Free eBook from Microsoft The Windows 8 operating system is the newest member of the Microsoft Windows family. It differs from earlier Windows releases as much for what it does not change as for what it does change. That is, the features that IT pros loved about Windows 7 are still there in Windows…

The fake software in question, often referred to as scareware, fake antivirus, or fake AV, is part a social-engineering scamdesigned to trick users into thinking their PC contains viruses, system errors, spyware, or pornography. Acting on a Federal Trade Commission complaint, a federal court has imposed a $163 million judgment on a woman who allegedly…

‘Ransomware’ Locks Computers, Demands Payment

There is a new “drive-by” virus on the Internet, and it often carries a fake message—and fine—purportedly from the FBI.

“We’re getting inundated with complaints,” said Donna Gregory of the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), referring to the virus known as Reveton ransomware, which is designed to extort money from its victims.

Reveton is described as drive-by malware because unlike many viruses—which activate when users open a file or attachment—this one can install itself when users simply click on a compromised website. Once infected, the victim’s computer immediately locks, and the monitor displays a screen stating there has been a violation of federal law.

The bogus message goes on to say that the user’s Internet address was identified by the FBI or the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section as having been associated with child pornography sites or other illegal online activity. To unlock their machines, users are required to pay a fine using a prepaid money card service.

“Some people have actually paid the so-called fine,” said the IC3’s Gregory, who oversees a team of cyber crime subject matter experts. (The IC3 was established in 2000 as a partnership between the FBIand the National White Collar Crime Center. It gives victims an easy way to report cyber crimes and provides law enforcement and regulatory agencies with a central referral system for complaints.)

New iPhone 5, iPod Touch, and iPod Nano

Today Phil Schiller took to the stage at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, where he announced the long-expected iPhone 5. The casing is made entirely of glass and aluminum, and it’s 7.6mm thick, which is 18% thinner than the iPhone 4S. It weighs in at 112 grams, which is 20% lighter than the 4S. Schiller confirmed that the iPhone 5 has a 4″ display, with a resolution of 1136×640. It’s a 16:9 aspect ratio. The screen is the same width as a 4S, but it’s taller. To accommodate older apps, they either center the app or add black bars to make it look right. The new device also has LTE support. Tim Cook spoke earlier about the iPad, making some interesting claims: “Yes, we are in a post-PC world.” He also claimed 68% tablet market share for the iPad, and says iPads account for 91% of tablet-based web traffic. The event is continuing, and we’ll update this post as further announcements appear. A real-time liveblog is being quickly updated at Ars Technica. Update: 09/12 18:16 GMT by S: Further details below.Further details: for the iPhone 5, Apple also added support for HSPA+ and DC-HSDPA. The dynamic antenna is an improvement over the 4S, and can switch connections. In the U.S. LTE partners are AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint. On toprocessing: the iPhone 5 runs an A6 chip that’s twice as fast as the A5, in addition to being 22% smaller. Rob Murray from EA got up on stage to show a racing game, claiming that the graphics “have been built to full console quality.”Battery life for the phone will be roughly 8 hours for either 3G talk-time or browsing. Engadget has a feature-by-feature comparison to the 4S.

The new phone’s camera has an 8-Megapixel sensor, with a resolution of 3264×2448. It includes a hybrid IR filter, an f/2.4 aperture, and a five element lens. And a sapphire crystal lens cover, for whatever that’s worth. There’s a new feature for taking panorama shots (claimed ‘breakthrough software,’ though similar software already appears on actual cameras), and new software for automatically sharing pictures.

Apple also detailed the new connector, dubbed ‘Lightning.’ It’s entirely digital, and 80% smaller than the old connector. It can be plugged in in either direction. Apple has created a bunch of adapters to let old cables and hardware work with Lightning. They then spoke at length about iOS 6, which will run on the iPhone 5, and demonstrated their new Maps app, which includes turn-by-turn directions (also in 3D using a ‘cinematic camera’). “Apple is betting heavily on Passbook and other features to give it a leg up in the competition over Google Android and the upcoming Windows Phone 8.” Pre-orders for the iPhone 5 start on Friday, and the device will start shipping on September 21. iOS 6 will roll out on September 19.

Mark Zuckerberg was refreshingly candid speaking today at TechCrunch Disrupt. One part of his talk that’s going to draw a lot of scrutiny was when he was talking about the company’s search efforts. Zuckerberg said that Facebook has one billion queries on a daily basis and it’s basically doing that without trying. He then hinted that Facebook is…

Facebook has today announced a new way in which it hopes to combat phishing scams targeting its 955 million users. In a post to its Facebook Security page, the social network has explained that the public can now report Facebook-related phishing emails directly to the company. All you have to do is forward the phishing email…

Rob really is the most helpful, pleasant and completely proficient one around. He has helped us SO many times, including saving my daughter's new MAC when she spilled water in it when APPLE said she'd need a new laptop. Has offered to do a quick fix remotely when he's able and fixes everything. He really should charge us more for all he does.
jobim@comcast.net

Always Awesome

Joyce Werner

Needed to get my wife's lap top fixed and was in a hurry. She needed it for work. I normally go to another shop and they were too busy. I was told about Rob by a friend. Called him and he had me bring it right in. He repaired it and had it back to me the next day, at a better price than the shop I had used in the past. He went through everything I needed to do to keep it up and running. The guy was GREAT. I will now take all my computers to him. Thanks again!!

FAST AND QUALITY SERVICE!!

kailua94@comcast.net

Don't bother trying Best Buy, Staples, etc..I've used them in the past, what a waste of time. It's hard to find a shop like Rob's..All our PCs have been in to see him at least once. One of my laptops he's given an extra 3 years of life!
Bitwise does repairs that the big box stores have to ship out for..unless you can do it yourself, don't go anywhere else.

The best

Jim Hoffman

Rob was patient and flexible listening to my issue and gave me several options of what he could to for me and what I could try myself. I ended up paying 1/5 of what I thought it would cost.

Saved me $$

Curtis

Rob is awesome!!! I made a serious mistake while rebuilding a computer (I damaged the motherboard) Although I knew everything he was talking about, he didn't speak down or above my head. It seems that he treats all his customers this way and that is excellent customer service!!! I highly recommend Rob because he is honest and straight forward. I wish there were more businesses like BitWise.

Rob is awesome!!!

Eric B

Thank you Rob! I am so glad I learned about BitWise! This is the first business I have had my computer repaired and it actually works!! Rob does a great job getting you up and running again. I have had him clean up one computer and it runs like brand new. Another computer caught a REALLY bad virus and all info was retrieved by Rob and he was able to clean up the hard drive and get it up and running. I also had a hard drive that was dropped at the airport and was broken. Rob was honest and let us know our options and his opinion. I'm so glad you opened your store. I have moved to Sacramento and I will still come to Folsom to have my computer serviced. Unless you can do it through your online remote service :-))

Thank you Rob!

Cheryl A.

My computer had a nasty virus. Rob fixed it right up, no issues and had it back faster than the Geek Squad ever could. Plus, he's a small one-man shop, so you know who is working on your computer. Not some high school or college kid who might try to steal personal information. There is only one point of contact and if you have any questions, you call Rob, not some phone tree at Geek Squad where you don't know WHO is working on your computer.
Plus, Rob copied a DVD for me for free. I was willing to pay, but he did it for free. Granted, I wouldn't expect him to copy 10 DVD's for free, but he did copy my wedding DVD.
Thanks Rob!

My computer had a nasty virus.

Patrick P.

I finally found a computer repair shop that is nice and friendly. Every where else I went the employees were rude and condascending. BitWise removed virus's from two of my computers and sold me a used laptop. The service was great the their prices were better than any other repair shops around. They also helped me setup a wireless home network for my computers and Playstation 3. My overall experience was great and I will definitely do business with them again. They also do remote support so I won't always need to bring my computers in there to be serviced!

I finally found a computer repair shop that is nice and friendly.

Susan C.

Anyone in the Folsom/Sacramento area that needs computer repair or consulting - CALL THIS GUY!
I had him set up my new computer and three screens and his not only arrived on-time he completed the job quickly and efficiently - and did not go over his estimated charge.
He will also set a "remote" to help you through any unforeseen difficulties.
I rate him 5-Stars - and an A+.
Give him a call - a competent, professional, and courteous professional!
Cheers, Gary

CALL THIS GUY!

Gary C

Took my daughter's laptop in and the keyboard replacement was reasonable, fast, and done well.
I've since recommended at least half a dozen people to BitWise and, while they don't seem to write reviews on Yelp, they all reported to me a very, very happy experience.
Sometimes they get swamped and can't get things done right away, some things cost more than others to fix, but BitWise gets the job done right the first time.

BitWise rocks!

David R.

Rob Barrie and BitWise are the best. I came home to find my computer unresponsive ... I couldn't turn it on. Rob has helped me out in the past with two of my computers and they were fixed in a minimum of time. This time, as it was 4 pm on a Saturday, I called to see if he was available on Monday. Instead he walked me through the process of getting my computer to boot up (and very patiently, I might add). Within 5 minutes I was back on my computer. I can't say enough about Rob and/or his service. He truly is the best!

BitWise is the best.

Susan W.

Rob and Jason were great to work with! Rob was responsive and priced the work very reasonably. And Jason is a master at the computer! he was able to sort out my issues and resolve them sooner than i thought he could- with additional time to help clean up other issues on my computer. I highly recommend this company, telling my friends about them, and using them again if needed in the future!ThanksMike CattuzzoSenior Vice PresidentCassidy Turley

Rob and Jason were great to work with!

Mike Cattuzzo Senior Vice President, Cassidy Turley

Thank goodness for Rob and the crew at BitWise. I am on vacation and had a project deadline. My laptop cursor wouldn't budge, the thing kept locking up and I was soooo stressed. Rob fixed me up on the spot, my project is finished and now thankfully I can get back to having some fun. Thanks BitWise - you guys are the Best!

Thank goodness for Rob...

Jeanne L. Oxnard, CA

Last year, one of our computers needed repair so we took it to Bitwise Computer Repair. Rob was professional and friendly, and our computer was restored to “like new” quickly for a modest fee. Recently, we purchased a laptop and a desktop computer from Bitwise and we’re happy with them both. Last week, I downloaded a bad program that made my computer practically useless. Fortunately, all I needed to do was call Rob and he repaired the computer remotely—no moving the desk, disconnecting cords and driving it in; I just called in and it was ready the next day. The people at Bitwise understand that their customers have busy schedules and they do all they can to accommodate them. We have been completely satisfied with Rob and Bitwise every time we’ve worked with them and we recommend them for all electronic needs.